U.S. patent application number 10/457582 was filed with the patent office on 2003-11-20 for block and tackle balance assembly with brake shoe.
Invention is credited to Annes, Jason, Soles, Ralph.
Application Number | 20030213096 10/457582 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25366118 |
Filed Date | 2003-11-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030213096 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Annes, Jason ; et
al. |
November 20, 2003 |
Block and tackle balance assembly with brake shoe
Abstract
A sash balance brake shoe assembly (2) is disclosed for
counterbalancing a sash window (3) slidably supported within a
master frame (5). The assembly generally includes a balance
assembly preferably in the form of a block and tackle balance
assembly (7) and a brake shoe (28). The balance assembly has a
balance channel (6). The brake shoe (28) has an extension member
(36) that is received by the balance channel (6). A fastener (42)
directly connects the brake shoe (28) to the balance channel
(6).
Inventors: |
Annes, Jason; (Chicago,
IL) ; Soles, Ralph; (Brandon, SD) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PAUL J. NYKAZA
311 S. WACKER DRIVE
53RD FLOOR
CHICAGO
IL
60606-6630
US
|
Family ID: |
25366118 |
Appl. No.: |
10/457582 |
Filed: |
June 9, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10457582 |
Jun 9, 2003 |
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09875636 |
Jun 6, 2001 |
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6622342 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
16/216 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 16/6298 20150115;
E05D 13/1207 20130101; E05D 15/22 20130101; E05D 13/08 20130101;
E05Y 2900/148 20130101; Y10S 16/16 20130101; Y10T 16/64 20150115;
Y10T 16/73 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
16/216 |
International
Class: |
E05F 001/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A sash balance shoe assembly for providing a counterbalancing
force to a sash window slideable within a frame, the assembly
comprising: a block and tackle balance assembly having a balance
channel, one end of the balance assembly adapted to be connected to
the frame; a shoe adapted to be connected to the sash window, the
brake shoe being directly connected to the balance channel.
2. The sash balance shoe assembly of claim 1 wherein the shoe is
directly attached to the balance channel by a fastener positioned
between the shoe and balance channel.
3. The sash balance shoe assembly of claim 1 wherein the shoe has
an extension member and the balance channel having a base and a
pair of substantially parallel walls extending from the base, the
extension member positioned within the walls.
4. The sash balance shoe assembly of claim 1 wherein the shoe has
opposed sidewalls, each sidewall having a guide member extending
therefrom, the guide member comprising a pair of spaced,
substantially horizontal rails.
5. The sash balance shoe assembly of claim 1 wherein the shoe is a
brake shoe having a brake member adapted to engage the frame when
the sash is tilted from the frame.
6. A sash balance brake shoe assembly for providing a
counterbalancing force to a sash window slideable within a frame,
the assembly comprising: a block and tackle balance assembly having
a balance channel, one end of the balance assembly adapted to be
connected to the frame; a brake shoe adapted to be connected to the
sash window, the brake shoe being directly connected to and in
engagement with the balance channel by a fastener positioned
between the brake shoe and the balance channel.
7. The sash balance brake shoe assembly of claim 6 wherein the
balance channel has a base and a pair of substantially parallel
walls extending from the base, the brake shoe having an extension
member being received by the balance channel.
8. The sash balance brake shoe assembly of claim 6 wherein the
balance channel has a base and a pair of substantially parallel
walls extending from the base, the brake shoe having an extension
member that receives the balance channel.
9. The balance and sash shoe assembly of claim 6 wherein the
fastener is a rivet.
10. A sash balance shoe assembly for providing a counterbalancing
force to a sash window slideable within a frame, the assembly
comprising: a block and tackle balance assembly having a balance
channel, one end of the balance assembly adapted to be connected to
the frame; a shoe adapted to be connected to the sash window; and
means for directly connecting the shoe to the balance channel.
11. A sash balance assembly for providing a counterbalancing force
to a sash window slideable within a frame, the sash window having a
generally vertical stile, the frame having a shoe channel having a
rear wall and a front wall having a pair of shoulders separated by
a slot, the assembly comprising: a block and tackle balance
assembly having a balance channel, one end of the balance assembly
adapted to be connected to the frame, the balance channel further
having a base with an outer surface; and a shoe adapted to be
connected to the sash window, the shoe being directly connected to
the balance channel; wherein the outer surface is adapted to face
the vertical stile.
12. The sash balance assembly of claim 111 wherein the shoe has a
front face wherein the outer surface faces in the same direction as
the front face.
13. The sash balance assembly of claim 11 further comprising: a
pair of side walls extending from the base opposite to the outer
surface, the side walls each having a peripheral edge; a brake pad
operably connected to the shoe; wherein the brake pad is adjacent
to the peripheral edges.
14. The sash balance assembly of claim 11 further comprising: a
pair of side walls extending from the base opposite to the outer
surface, the side walls each having a peripheral edge; wherein the
peripheral edges are adapted to be positioned adjacent to the rear
wall.
15. The sash balance assembly of claim 11 wherein the outer surface
is adapted to be positioned adjacent to the shoulders.
16. A sash balance brake shoe assembly for providing a
counterbalancing force to a sash window slideable within a frame,
the sash window having a generally vertical stile, the frame having
a shoe channel having a rear wall and a front wall having a pair of
shoulders separated by a slot, the assembly comprising: a block and
tackle balance assembly adapted to be positioned within the shoe
channel, the balance assembly having a balance channel, one end of
the balance assembly adapted to be connected to the frame, the
balance channel having a base with an outer surface; a brake shoe
adapted to be connected to the sash window, the brake shoe being
directly connected to the balance channel; wherein the outer
surface of the balance channel is adapted to face the slot.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of, and is a
continuation of, co-pending prior U.S. application Ser. No.
09/875,636, filed Jun. 6, 2001, which is expressly incorporated
herein by reference and made a part hereof.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This invention relates generally to a window balance system
and more particularly to a block and tackle balance and brake shoe
assembly for a sliding sash window.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] A sash window arrangement disposed within a frame is well
known. The frame is comprised of a pair of opposed vertical tracks
or jams. The tracks are adapted to slidably guide a pair of sash
windows within the frame.
[0004] Various types of balance systems are known and are used to
counterbalance the weight of the sash window. In particular, block
and tackle counter balance assemblies are known and have become
popular due to their combination of relatively compact size and
ease of installation. The block and tackle balance combines a
system of pulleys and an extension spring mounted within a rigid
balance channel for conversion of a high spring tension applied
over a short working distance to a lower tension applied over a
longer working distance. The extension spring is anchored at one
end of the balance channel and the pulley system is anchored at the
other end of the channel.
[0005] A traditional arrangement utilizing a block and tackle
balance is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,530,991 to deNormand. In
deNormand '991, an end of the balance channel is attached to the
track via a hook or other intermediate structure. An end of a cord
reeved through the pulley system and extending from a second end of
the channel is attached, via a hook or other intermediate
structure, to a shoe. This shoe is in turn attached to the window
sash and slides therewith, within the track. An inverted block and
tackle counterbalance system is disclosed by U.S. Pat. No.
6,041,476 to deNormand. In this arrangement, the end of the cord
extending from the channel is attached to the track via a hook or
other intermediate structure. The balance channel is then attached
to the sash shoe via a hook or other intermediate structure such
that the balance channel slides within the track as the window
slides within the frame.
[0006] A disadvantage encountered with use of the block and tackle
balance system is that it limits the range of slidable motion
available to the window sash. This results in ultimately limiting
the size of the opening available to an occupant of an enclosure
during an event of emergency, such as a fire or other reason
necessitating rapid egress. An additional disadvantage realized
through use of the prior art block and tackle balance arrangements
is that after extended use, the connecting mechanism between the
balance channel and the sash shoe, or between the balance channel
and the track, may deteriorate. This results in possible sudden
detachment of the balance channel from the shoe or the track. If
such detachment occurs, replacement of parts or other repairs
resulting from the accompanying rapid movement of the block and
balance channel and/or sash may be required.
[0007] The present invention is provided to solve these and other
problems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention provides a block and tackle balance
assembly which allows for a greater range of motion of the window
sash. The present invention also provides a block and tackle
assembly which allows for an improved connection between the brake
shoe and the block and tackle balance assembly.
[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, a sash
balance and brake shoe assembly for counterbalancing and locking a
slidable sash window within a track is provided. The assembly
comprises a block and tackle balance assembly that includes a
balance channel formed from a base and a pair of substantially
parallel channel walls adapted for slidable mounting within the
track. The assembly also includes a brake shoe adapted for slidable
movement within the track wherein the brake shoe is attached
directly to the balance channel.
[0010] According to another aspect of the present invention, a sash
balance and brake shoe assembly for counterbalancing and locking a
slidable sash window within a track is provided. The track has a
pair of spaced apart, opposed side walls. The assembly comprises a
block and tackle balance channel formed from a base and a pair of
substantially parallel channel walls adapted for slidable mounting
within the track. The assembly further comprises a brake shoe
adapted for slidable movement within the track wherein the balance
channel is adapted to receive the brake shoe and both the balance
channel and brake shoe are adapted to directly fix the brake shoe
to the balance channel.
[0011] Other features and advantages of the invention will be
apparent from the following specification taken in conjunction with
the following drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The pivoting and sliding device of the invention will now be
described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in
which:
[0013] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a double hung window
assembly with the present invention shown in phantom;
[0014] FIG. 2 shows a front perspective view of a sash balance
brake shoe assembly of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 3 shows a rear perspective view of the sash balance
brake shoe assembly of FIG. 2;
[0016] FIG. 4 shows a partial side view of the assembly of FIG.
2;
[0017] FIG. 5 shows a front perspective view of the brake shoe of
the device of FIG. 2;
[0018] FIG. 6 shows a rear elevation view of the brake shoe of FIG.
2;
[0019] FIG. 7 shows a side elevation view of the brake shoe of FIG.
2;
[0020] FIG. 8 shows a front perspective of a brake shoe of a second
embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 9 shows a front elevation view of the brake shoe of a
second embodiment of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 10 shows a side elevation view of the brake shoe of a
second embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 11 shows a rear elevation view a brake shoe of a second
embodiment of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 12 shows a front perspective view of a balance channel
of a second embodiment of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 13 shows a partial side view of a partially assembled
second embodiment of the sash balance brake shoe assembly of the
present invention;
[0026] FIG. 14 shows a front perspective view of a second
embodiment of a sash balance brake shoe assembly embodying the
present invention;
[0027] FIG. 15 shows a rear perspective view of the assembly of
FIG. 14;
[0028] FIG. 16 shows a partial side view of the assembly of FIG.
14;
[0029] FIG. 17 is a partial side view of a prior art block and
tackle assembly connector for a brake shoe;
[0030] FIG. 18 is a partial front perspective view of a third
embodiment of the sash balance and brake shoe assembly of the
present invention;
[0031] FIG. 19 is a partial rear perspective view of the third
embodiment of the sash balance and brake shoe assembly of the
present invention;
[0032] FIG. 20 is a partial side elevation view of the third
embodiment of the sash balance and brake shoe assembly of the
present invention;
[0033] FIG. 21 is a cross sectional view of the third embodiment of
the sash balance and brake shoe assembly of the present invention
mounted within a track of a window frame.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0034] While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many
different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be
described in detail preferred embodiments of the invention with the
understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an
exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not
intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the
embodiments illustrated.
[0035] FIG. 1 shows a double hung window assembly 1 having a pair
of sash windows 3 slidably disposed in a master frame 5. Each sash
window 3 is comprised of a top sash rail 21, a base sash rail 23
and a pair of vertical stiles 25. The master frame 5 has two pair
of vertical tracks or shoe channels 4. Each vertical track or shoe
channel 4, as shown in FIG. 21 is comprised of a rear wall 9, a
pair of lateral walls 15 and a front wall consisting of a pair of
shoulders 17. The shoulders 17 are separated by a slot 19 extending
substantially the length of the track or shoe channel 4.
[0036] A sash balance brake shoe assembly 2 is mounted within the
track 4 and provides a counter balance force to sash windows 3. The
sash balance brake shoe assembly 2 generally includes a block and
tackle balance assembly 7 and a brake shoe 28 (FIG. 2).
[0037] Referring to FIG. 2, the block and tackle balance assembly 7
generally includes a balance channel 6, an extension spring 12, a
pulley system comprised of a first pulley block 14 and a second
pulley block 16, and a cord 22. The balance channel 6 has a base 8,
with an outer surface 27, and a pair of side walls 10. Each side
wall has a peripheral edge 29 distal from the base 8. The balance
channel 6 further has a first end 18 and a second end 20. At the
first end 18, the balance channel 6 has a pair of openings 11, one
each located in a respective side wall 10.
[0038] The extension spring 12 has a hook 13 formed in each end
thereof. One end of extension spring 12 is rigidly fixed to the
balance channel 6 in the proximity of the first end 18 via a rivet
or other suitable connecting means. The first pulley block 14 is
rigidly fixed to the second end 20 of balance channel 6 via a rivet
or other suitable connecting means. A second end of the extension
spring 12, via the hook 13 formed therein, is attached to the
second pulley block 16. The cord 22 is fixed to the second pulley
block 16, and reeved alternatingly through the first pulley block
14 and second pulley block 16. A free end 24 of the cord 22 extends
out of the balance channel 6 through its second end 20. Attached to
the free end 24 is a jam hook 26 adapted to be connected to track
4, such connection shown substantially in FIG. 1.
[0039] As shown in FIGS. 5-7, the brake shoe 28 generally includes
a slider body 30, cam 32 and a brake pad 34. Formed in the slider
body 30 is a central opening 31, adapted to receive the cam 32. The
central opening 31 extends from a front face 39 to the rear of
slider body 30. Guides 33 are formed on slider body 30 to
facilitate its sliding motion within the track 4. The brake pad 34
is adapted to be received by the slider body 30 via a plurality of
fingers 35. The cam 32 receives a pivot bar attached to the window
sash 3. When the window sash 3 is pivoted from the master frame 5,
the pivot bar rotates the cam 32. Camming surfaces between the cam
32 and the brake pad 34 cam the brake pad 34 into frictional
engagement with the rear wall 9 of the track 4, as is known.
[0040] Integrally formed on the slider body 30 is an extension
member 36 having two side surfaces 38 and a rear surface 40. The
extension member 36 is formed to be received by and fit within the
first end 18 of the balance channel 6. The extension member 36
further has a pair of apertures 37, one each passing through a
respective side surface 38. As shown in FIGS. 2-4, the extension
member 36 is positioned within the balance channel 6 wherein the
apertures 37 and openings 11 are in registration. A fastener 42
passes through the balance channel openings 11 and through the
apertures 37 of the extension member 36 to directly attach the
brake shoe 28 to the balance channel 6. In this way, the rear
surface 40 generally abuts the base 8 and the peripheral edges 29
of the balance channel 6, at the first end 18 are in close
proximity to the front face 39 of the slider body 30. It can also
be seen from FIGS. 1 & 2 that in this first described
embodiment, the side walls 10 extend away from the base 8 towards
the vertical stile 25 of sash window 3.
[0041] As can be seen in FIGS. 1-7, the brake shoe 28 is adapted to
be operably connected to the window sash 3 and slides within the
track or shoe channel 4 in response to similar sliding motion of
the sash 3 within the frame 5. As the sash 3 is raised or lowered
within the frame 5, it can be seen that the block and tackle
balance assembly 7 provides a counter balance force to the sash 3
to assist in raising, lowering and positioning the sash 3 within
the frame 5.
[0042] It is understood that the fastener 42 may be replaced with
any suitable connective means readily known in the prior art
including, but not limited to a nut and bolt arrangement, cotter
pin arrangement, snap fit or interference fit pin arrangement, or
any other removable and/or reusable connective means. Additionally,
fasteners or connective means can be conceived that do not pass
entirely through both channel side walls 10 that would properly be
within the scope of the present invention. For instance, the
fastener could consist of a type of gluing or other bonding between
the balance channel 6 and brake shoe 28.
[0043] An additional preferred embodiment is shown in FIGS. 8-14.
Elements of the additional preferred embodiment that are
substantially similar to corresponding elements of the first
described preferred embodiment are referred to using similar
reference numbers.
[0044] FIGS. 8-11 depict a brake shoe 228 of the second-described
preferred embodiment. An extension member 236 integrally formed on
a portion of a slider body 230, is formed to fit within a balance
channel 206. The extension member 236 has a pair of side surfaces
238 and a rear surface 240. A shoe ear 239 is integrally formed on
each side surface 238. The shoe ears 239 are oblong in shape and
extend away from the side surfaces 238 at an oblique angle.
Integrally formed in the rear surface 240 is a rear snap 241. The
rear snap 241 is generally triangular in cross section. It is
understood that the ears 239 and snap 241 can take a variety of
different forms and cross sections.
[0045] As further shown in FIGS. 12-16, the balance channel 206
generally includes a pair of side walls 210 and a base 208. The
base 208 has an outer surface 227. An oblong slot 243 is formed in
each balance channel side wall 210 near a first end 218 of the
balance channel 206. Formed in the base 208 of the balance channel
206 is a generally rectangular snap opening 245.
[0046] The balance channel 206 is adapted to receive the brake shoe
228 and both are adapted to fix the brake shoe 228 directly to
balance channel 206. The balance channel 206 is passed over the
extension member 236 of the brake shoe 228 at a ninety degree angle
as shown in FIG. 13. The extension member 236 is then inserted into
the first end 218 of the balance channel 206. This results in the
channel side walls 210 spreading apart and then snapping back to
their original position as the shoe ears 239 each enter a
respective oblong slot 243. At this point, the brake shoe 228 and
the balance channel 206 are in the relative position to one another
as shown in FIG. 13. From this position, the brake shoe 228 is
rotated in a clockwise direction, as shown in FIG. 13, to a
position in line with the balance channel 206. This in-line
position is depicted in FIGS. 14-15. Upon reaching this in-line
position, the rear snap 241 passes through the snap opening 245. It
can be seen that the oblong slots 243 and the snap opening 245
cooperate respectively and in conjunction with the shoe ears 239
and the rear snap 241 to directly fix the brake shoe 228 to the
balance channel 206.
[0047] An additional preferred embodiment is shown in FIGS. 18-21.
Elements of this additional preferred embodiment that are
substantially similar to corresponding elements of the first and
second described embodiment are referred to using the same or
similar reference numbers.
[0048] The sash balance brake shoe assembly 302 of the
third-described preferred embodiment generally includes a block and
tackle balance assembly 307 and a brake shoe 328.
[0049] The block and tackle assembly 307 includes, in part, a
balance channel 306. The balance channel 306 is comprised of a base
308 and a pair of side walls 310. The base 308 has an outer surface
327. Each side wall has a peripheral edge 329 located distal from
the base 308.
[0050] The balance channel 306 further has a first end 318. Located
near the first end 318 is a first pair of openings 311, one each
located in a respective side wall 310. Also located near the first
end 318 is a second pair of openings 315, one each located in a
respective side wall 310. The first pair of openings 311 and the
second pair of openings 315 are each located equidistant from the
first end 318 of the balance channel 306. The first pair of side
openings 311 is located between the base 308 and the second pair of
side openings 315.
[0051] The brake shoe 328 of the third-described preferred
embodiment has an extension member 336 integrally formed on a
portion of the slider body 330. The slider body 330 has a front
face 339. The extension member 336 has a pair of side surfaces 338
and a rear surface 340. The side surfaces 338 and rear surface 340
are adapted to fit within the second end 316 of the balance channel
306. The extension member 336 further has a pair of apertures 337,
one each passing through a respective side surface 338. A brake pad
334 is adapted to be received by the brake shoe 328.
[0052] The extension member 336 is positioned within second end 316
wherein the apertures 337 and second pair of openings 315 are in
registration. A fastener (not shown) similar to fastener 42 of the
first described embodiment passes through the second pair of
openings 315 of the balance channel 306 and through the apertures
337 of extension member 336. In this way, the brake shoe 328 is
directly attached to the balance channel 306. As shown in FIG. 19,
in the connection of the third-described embodiment, the rear
surface 340 of the extension member 336 is positioned opposite the
base 308 and is in close proximity to the peripheral edges 329 of
the side walls 310. Also, the outer surface 327 of the balance
channel 308 is proximate to and faces the same direction as the
front face 339 of the brake shoe 328.
[0053] FIG. 21 shows a schematic cross section view of the balance
channel 306 located within the track or shoe channel 4. As can be
seen, the outer surface 327 of channel base 308 is adjacent to an
inner surface of track shoulders 17 and peripheral edges 329 are
adjacent to track base 308. The channel base 308 also is positioned
adjacent the slot 19. This closes the slot 19 and hides the inner
structure of the balance assembly thus providing a more
aesthetically pleasing configuration. The brake pad 334 is
positioned below the peripheral edges 329 of the balance channel
306.
[0054] This embodiment also allows the extension member 336 to be
positioned within first end 318 such that apertures 337 of
extension member 336 are in registration with the first pair of
openings 311. In this configuration (not shown), the rear surface
340 of the extension member 336 is within the balance channel 306
and adjacent to the base 308, similar to the configuration of the
first described embodiment.
[0055] The discussion above regarding the potential alternatives to
fastener 42 of the first described embodiment is equally applicable
to the fastener of the third described embodiment.
[0056] As can be seen from the above description, the brake shoe of
the present invention is directly attached to the balance channel
of the block and tackle balance assembly. The advantages of this
direct attachment can be seen by reference to FIG. 17, which
depicts a typical means of attaching a balance channel 406 to a
brake shoe or other structure. This typical means of attachment of
the prior art consists of an intermediate structure such as a hook
400. Use of the hook 400 reduces the range of slidable motion
available to the window sash by a distance d. The present invention
eliminates the need for intermediate structure to attach the
balance channel and brake shoe as these components are directly
attached. By virtue of this direct attachment, the distance d is
eliminated thereby increasing the range of slidable motion
available to a window sash 3. This increase is critical in that it
provides for an increased egress opening available to an occupant
of an enclosure during an emergency.
[0057] While the specific embodiments and various details thereof
have been illustrated and described, numerous modification come to
mind without significantly departing from the spirit of the
invention and the scope of protection is only limited by the
following claims.
* * * * *